As we get older, our bodies change a lot, and so do our teeth and gums. In this article, we will talk about how getting older can cause dental problems and how you can avoid them.

Tooth Loss
Getting older can make us more likely to lose our teeth. This mostly happens due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury. Losing teeth can make it hard to eat some foods and can change the way we talk.

If you lose your teeth, you can use dentures or dental implants to fix your smile. Dentures are false teeth that you can take out and clean on demand. Dental implants are fake tooth roots that a dentist puts into your jawbone and then seals with a crown that looks like a natural tooth. Both dentures and implants can make your smile look good and help you eat and talk normally.

Decay & Cavities
As we age, the hard outer layer of our teeth called the enamel, starts to thin. This can make our teeth sensitive and more likely to get cavities. Also, as the enamel gets thinner, our teeth can start to look more yellow.

Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another common issue among older adults. This problem is often caused by medications, which are typically more necessary as we age. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay because saliva helps to clean food and harmful acids from our teeth.

Gum Disease
Also known as periodontitis, gum disease is another dental issue that becomes more common with age. This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and starts to damage the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. While it can occur at any age, it’s more common in people over the age of 40. Common signs of oral cancer include mouth sores that don’t heal, red or white patches inside the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes limiting your consumption of tobacco and alcohol, both of which can increase your risk. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental check-ups can help detect any early signs of oral cancer.

Remember, aging is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean your dental health has to suffer. By understanding the effects of aging on dental health, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your oral health for years to come.

Your dental health is important at every age. For top-quality dental care in the Greater Toronto Area, reach out to our award-winning dental clinic. Our experienced team is just a phone call away. Dial (416) 321-3268 today to book your appointment and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy.